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What to say when you call a university in Clearing
Clearing calls are short and often feel like a mini-interview. Have your Personal ID, Clearing number and grades in front of you, and a clear answer to why you want the course. UCAS warns that if you cannot show why you want to go, you may not be offered a place.
Checked against official sources on 25 September 2026.
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Have this ready
- Your UCAS Personal ID and Clearing number (in your Hub under “Application status”).
- Your grades, including GCSE English and maths, and your UCAS points.
- The course name and code, and the university’s Clearing phone number.
- A pen, paper and your call sheet. Build one with our call planner.
A simple script
1. Introduce yourself. “Hello, my name is [name]. I’m calling about Clearing places on [course] for September 2027.”
2. Give your details. “My Clearing number is [number] and my UCAS Personal ID is [ID].”
3. Give your results. “I got [grades], which is [points] UCAS points.” If you narrowly missed a grade, say so plainly.
4. Say why you want it. Two or three sentences: what draws you to the subject, something you have done that shows it, and why this university.
5. Ask your questions (below), then write down the answers and the name of the person you spoke to.
Questions they may ask you
- Why do you want to study this subject?
- Why this university?
- What did you enjoy about your current courses?
- What went wrong, if you missed your offer? (Be honest and brief.)
- Did you apply to this subject in your original application? If not, why the change?
- Can you send your personal statement or reference? (If you applied direct to Clearing.)
Questions you should ask
- Are you offering me a place, and on exactly which course and start date?
- Will you confirm it by email, and how long do I have to add you as my Clearing choice?
- What are the course code and the university code?
- Do you need anything else from me?
- Is accommodation guaranteed for Clearing students, and how do I apply?
- Is the course accredited by a professional body (if your career needs it)?
- What does the first year cover, and how is it assessed?
- Are there bursaries or scholarships I could get?
- If you have support needs: who can I speak to, and how quickly can support be arranged?
- If you are an international student: when can you issue my CAS, and what is the latest arrival date?
Five things to get right
- Make the call yourself. UCAS says universities need to speak to you directly.
- Do not panic if lines are busy. Try live chat, the university’s online Clearing form or social media, and call back.
- Do not accept on the spot if you are unsure. It is fine to say, “Thank you, can I have until [time] to decide?”
- Keep a log of every call in our call tracker.
- Only add the choice in your Hub once you have decided: it counts as accepting.
Clearing call planner
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Sources
- UCAS: top tips for contacting universities in Clearing
- UCAS: What is Clearing?
- UCAS: applying directly to Clearing
Quick answers
Can my parents call universities for me in Clearing?
UCAS advises against it: universities need to speak to you directly. Parents can help you research and keep notes.
What do universities ask in a Clearing call?
Usually your grades, why you want the subject and the university, and sometimes about your original application. Some courses hold a short interview or ask for a portfolio.
Is a verbal offer in Clearing binding?
An informal offer on the phone is not a place until you add it as your Clearing choice and the university confirms it in your UCAS Hub. Ask for the offer by email.